FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas freshman Jordan Smith Jr. has landed on the 2027 Bob Cousy Award watch list, one of 20 players selected for the annual honor by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
The award, which is in its 24th year, recognizes the top point guard in NCAA Division I men’s college basketball and carries the name of Hall of Famer Bob Cousy, the former Boston Celtic and Holy Cross guard inducted in 1971.
Smith is aiming to become the next John Calipari-coached guard to win it, following Tyler Ulis in 2016 and Darius Acuff Jr. in 2026.
His arrival at Arkansas comes with plenty of high-end pedigree. Last season, Smith was the consensus National High School Player of the Year. He was also a McDonald’s All-American, participated in the Nike Hoops Summit and the Jordan Brand Classic, and was named a first-team All-American by MaxPreps, USA Today, Sporting News and Naismith Awards.
Arkansas will wrap up its exhibition schedule Wednesday, Oct. 28, with a matchup against Memphis. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., and the game will air on SEC Network+. The game is not part of the 2026-27 season ticket package.
2027 Bob Cousy Award Candidates
Markus Burton, Indiana
Elliot Cadeau, Michigan
Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri
Silas Demary Jr., UConn
Donovan Dent, LSU
Quinn Ellis, St. John’s
Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State
Boogie Fland, Florida
Aden Holloway, Alabama
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State
Nigel James Jr., Marquette
Acaden Lewis, Miami
Chance Mallory, Virginia
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
Miles Sadler, West Virginia
Jackson Shelstad, Louisville
Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas
Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Dedan Thomas Jr., Houston
Robert Wright III, BYU
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Arkansas Still Has One Offensive Problem It Can't Shake
Arkansas has found a little rhythm coming out of halftime, scoring touchdowns on the opening drive of the second half in consecutive games. The opening possession of games, though, has been a different story entirely, and that has remained one of the more frustrating blind spots for an offense trying to build momentum early instead of chasing it.
Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey has pointed to the basics as the fix, stressing the need to cut down on penalties, negative plays and sacks that can derail a drive before it gets started. There was also a notable development up front against Vanderbilt, where backup center Kash Courtney filled in for injured captain Caden Kitler and earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors, even as Kitler stayed listed as the starter on the depth chart. [Read more 🡒]
Arkansas Gets A Real Opening Against Missouri In A Brutal SEC Test
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On the personnel front, the Tigers at least got a useful sign from Ahmad Hardy, who has returned to full practice after dealing with an injury. There still isnt a timetable for when he might be back in a game, which leaves one more layer of uncertainty for Missouri as it tries to steady itself before facing an Arkansas team looking for any opening it can find. [Read more 🡒]
Arkansas Gets One More Frontcourt Test As Memphis Waits On Key Big Man
Arkansas gets one more chance to sharpen its frontcourt before the games start counting, and the exhibition against Memphis should offer a useful look at how the Razorbacks handle size, length and physical play in the paint. For a team still sorting out its early identity, these tune-up games matter because they expose problems that can be hidden in practice, especially on the glass and around the rim.
Memphis brings its own uncertainty into the matchup, with forward Nemanja Popovic at the center of an NCAA eligibility dispute that could affect his availability when the regular season arrives. He just turned in a strong showing in an exhibition, which only adds to the intrigue for Arkansas as it tries to evaluate its interior defense against a frontcourt that may look different from one week to the next. [Read more 🡒]